Chant Intervention Team

Chant Intervention Team (C-IT)

Refer a Student to Student Empowerment and Advocacy

Helpful Links

• Student Resources
• Classroom Disruption Flowchart
• Student Empowerment and Advocacy FAQs
• CONTACT US
  Dean of Students Office
  Indigo Hall
  843-349-4161
  843-349-2316 (fax)
  dso@coastal.edu
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What is the Chant Intervention Team?

The Chant Intervention Team (C‐IT) is composed of representatives from across campus whose mission is to identify and address student behaviors that are concerning or disruptive to the campus community. The C‐IT collaborates to assist students who are struggling to maintain adequate functioning due to behavioral, psychological, or medical concerns.

Why should I be concerned?

As the eyes and ears of the Coastal Carolina community, it is everyone's responsibility to assist those students who show any type of behavior that could threaten the safety or well-being of the University community. The Chant Intervention Team encourages you to utilize the referral process in order to do your part to actively participate in efforts to keep the community safe and functional. The success of this process is dependent upon community commitment to reporting concerns. If you have additional questions or comments, please contact the Dean of Students Office at 843-349-4161.

What should I be concerned about?

The following behaviors can all be important signs of distress. You may notice a student exhibiting one or more of the following signs and know right away that something is clearly wrong. On the other hand, you may simply have an "uneasy" feeling about a student and are unsure of whether or not there is truly cause for concern. If the latter is the case, don't dismiss your feelings or feel that you need to wait for "proof" that a problem exists. Once reported, the C-IT Team will determine as to the level of concern each report may warrant.

Physical signs

• Falling asleep in class or at other inopportune times
• A dramatic change in energy level (either direction)
• Noticeable changes in hygiene or personal appearance
• Significant changes in weight (gain or loss)
• Frequent state of drug/alcohol intoxication
• Noticeable cuts, bruises, or burns on student

Emotional signs

• Emotional outbursts (unprovoked anger or hostility, sobbing)
• Exaggerated personality traits; more withdrawn or more animated than usual
• Expressions of hopelessness, fear or worthlessness
• Themes of suicide, death and dying in papers/projects
• Direct statements indicating distress, family problems, or other difficulties
• Peer concern about a fellow student (in class, lab, residence hall, club)

Academic signs

• Deterioration in quality/quantity of work
• A negative change in classroom performance (e.g., drop in grades)
• Missed assignments or exams
• Repeated absences from class
• Disorganized or erratic performance
• Decline in enthusiasm in class (e.g., no longer choosing a seat in the front of the room)
• Student sends frequent, lengthy, "ranting" or threatening types of emails to professor/TA
• Continual seeking of special provisions (e.g., late papers, extensions, postponed exams, and projects)

If you are not sure if a student's behavior calls for a C-IT referral, it is advised that you go ahead and take the steps to do so. You do not have to determine the level of concern; the C-IT will do that for you.

Note: In cases where a student's behavior poses an imminent threat to you or another, contact Police or the Department of Public Safety immediately at 843-349-2911.

Who is on the team?

Regular members of the team include representation from the following areas:

1. Dean of Students Office
2. University Housing
3. Department of Public Safety
4. Counseling Services
5. Student Health Services
6. Accessibility and Disability Services
7. Academic Coaching

Other members of the university community may be asked to attend an occasional team meeting when a student of concern to that individual is being discussed.

Chant Intervention Team Members

What happens when I make a referral?

The C-IT will:

• Ensure a timely and comprehensive response
• Review the information to determine appropriate follow-up
• Collaborate with referring party to coordinate response
• Balance the needs of the student with the campus community as a whole

How do I refer a student to C-IT?

1. Anyone can make a referral.
2. To report online (can be anonymous): Student of Concern Referral (online referral system)
3. If you are unsure of whether or not a referral is necessary, you may contact the Dean of Students Office 843-349-4161 or dso@coastal.edu for consultation.
4. Keep in mind that the C-IT has the ability to document a report for informational purposes only. You do not have to determine the level of concern prior to making a referral; the C-IT will do that for you. 

NOTE: Although the form allows for 24-hour reporting, referrals may not be addressed until the next business day. If you believe there is an imminent threat of any kind, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 843-349-2911.

Confidentiality

The Dean of Students Office is not therapy. The laws that apply to a confidential therapeutic relationship do not apply to all helping relationships. There may be instances when information needs to be shared with other campus partners to ensure the safety of the campus community. While confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, information will only be shared strictly on a need-to-know basis.

For effective coordination of services, you may be asked to sign a release of information.